Surgical stapling device with dissecting tip

ABSTRACT

A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of a surgical stapler, e.g., to the anvil assembly or cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/665,108, filed Jul. 7, 2008, which claims the benefit of and priorityto International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2004/013291, filedApr. 29, 2004, which is Continuation and claims benefit of and priorityfrom U.S. application Ser. No. 10/764,103, filed Jan. 23, 2004 andclaims benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/466,378, filed Apr. 29, 2003, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This application relates to a surgical stapling device. Moreparticularly, this application relates to a surgical stapling devicehaving an improved tip construction for accessing and/or separatingtissue.

Background of Related Art

Surgical staple or fastener applying instruments or devices for joiningtissue are well known. Typically, such devices include opposing jawstructure for grasping and clamping selected tissue, wherein one of thejaws of the opposing jaw structure includes a cartridge which houses aplurality of staples or fasteners. In some instruments, a knife isprovided to cut tissue which has been joined by the staples orfasteners.

Linear surgical stapling devices, for example, include two elongatedmembers which are relatively moveable to capture or clamp tissue.Typically one of the members includes a cartridge which houses aplurality of staples arranged in two or more linear rows and the othermember includes an anvil having a plurality of staple forming pocketsfor receiving and forming the legs of the staples. Typically, a knife ismovably positioned between the linear rows of staples such that when thestapling device is positioned about tissue and actuated, the tissuebeing joined and/or sealed is simultaneously or nearly simultaneouslycut.

Linear surgical stapling devices are commonly used during surgicalprocedures to simultaneously seal and cut target tissue, e.g.,vasculature, organs, etc. It is not uncommon during such procedures thatcertain tissue, e.g., vasculature or other adherent connective, joinedor other tissue, adheres or is joined to the target tissue and mustfirst be separated from the target tissue before the procedure cancontinue. Currently, a separate device is used to dissect or separatethe certain tissue from the target tissue before the target tissueand/or the adherent certain tissue is operated upon. Also, it is a knownpractice to attach a guide or carrier tube to the distal end of theanvil and to use a separate instrument to pass the tube around thetarget tissue or structure. The tube is also used to move the back wallof the target tissue into the jaws of the staple device. The tube isremoved after the staple is in proper position and then the stapler isfired. These procedures require extra steps and devices and can be timeconsuming and expensive especially during endoscopic procedures.

Accordingly, a continuing need exists in the art for a device which canbe used not only to join and cut tissue but also to separate or dissectcertain, e.g., adherent tissue from target tissue. The variousembodiments and possible combination of features of the dissecting tipsand of the stapling devices and end effectors disclosed herein areadvantageous in that they provide dissecting tips or devices mounted orsupported on the stapling device, end effector or SULU, therefore whicheffectively reduce the number of tools needed, reduce the time involvedin, and simplify dissection, isolation of target tissue, and staplingprocedures. The devices also provide better placement of the staplingdevice relative to the target tissues. These advantages reduce fatigueof physicians and reduce the cost of the surgical procedures to thehospitals and the patients.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, a dissecting tip is providedfor use with a surgical stapling device and, especially, a linearsurgical stapling device, including an end effector having an anvilassembly and a cartridge assembly. The stapling device can be configuredfor open, laparoscopic or endoscopic applications. The dissecting tip issupported on the end effector, and may be supported on the distal end ofthe anvil assembly. The dissecting tip may instead or also be supportedon the distal end of the cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip may bepositioned to extend distally from the anvil assembly and includes abody having an outer surface, an inner surface and a distal tip. Thebody may assume a variety of configurations. For example, the body mayinclude inner and/or outer surfaces which are curved along thelongitudinal and/or transverse axis of the anvil assembly and extenddownwardly towards the cartridge assembly. In another embodiment, theinner and/or outer surfaces are substantially flat. In yet anotherembodiment, the inner and/or outer surfaces include a pair of flatsections interconnected by a curved transition section. In yet anotherembodiment, the body may include a distal portion having a distal tiphaving an oblong, oval and/or circular cross-section. The width of thedissecting tip may decrease or increase from the proximal end of thedissecting tip to the distal end of the dissecting tip. The distal tipof the dissecting tip may also be “rounded” and/or blunt to preventsnagging, pulling and/or cutting of tissue.

The dissecting tip functions to dissect or separate target tissue andcertain tissue. As discussed above, “certain tissue” includes adherent,connective, joined or other tissue. This may be accomplished by passingor pressing the outer surface of dissecting tip against the targettissue and pushing the distal tip of the dissecting tip behind thecertain tissue such that the certain tissue is positioned adjacent theinner surface of the dissecting tip. The dissecting tip may be locatedand dimensioned to permit access through a trocar cannula assembly whichis sized to receive a surgical stapling instrument without a dissectingtip.

In one aspect of the invention, it is advantageous to provide adissection tip for use with a surgical stapler, the dissecting tipcomprising a proximal portion configured to be fastened or attached toan end effector, desirably to an anvil assembly of the end effector, adistal portion contiguous or in communication with the proximal portion,the distal portion having an inner surface that has a planar portion,the anvil assembly having a longitudinal axis that can be along thetissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly, and the planar surfacebeing disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal axis. The anglecan be any suitable angle, e.g., from about 50 to about 90.degree., moredesirably from about 30.degree. to about 90.degree., and most desirablyabout or close to 90.degree., relative to the longitudinal axis. Inanother aspect of the invention for some applications, it isadvantageous to provide a final angular orientation of the distalportion of the dissecting tip by or about 30-45.degree.

In another aspect of the invention, it is advantageous that thedissecting tip have a planar angular distal surface, that faces towardthe planar angular distal guide surface of the cartridge assembly whenthe cartridge and anvil assemblies are in a clamped or closed position.

In another aspect of the invention, it is advantageous that the planarangular surface of the cartridge assembly distal end be uninterrupted,and further advantageous that the planar inner surface of the dissectingtip and the planar angular surface of the cartridge assembly be spacedfrom each other when the anvil and cartridge assemblies are in theclosed or clamped position.

In another aspect of the invention, it is advantageous to providesurgical stapling instruments that incorporate or have fastened theretoother types of vascular dissecting instruments. These would provide oneor more of the advantageous effects herein disclosed.

In yet another aspect of the invention, it is advantageous to provide adissecting tip for use with a surgical stapler or instrument comprisinga body having a proximal portion configured to receive and engage adistal end of an end effector of a surgical stapler or instrument and adistal portion having a substantially flat inner surface and asubstantially flat outer surface wherein the flat inner surface and flatouter surface are configured at an angle of from about 5.degree. toabout 90.degree. to a longitudinal axis of the anvil assembly. Byproviding such a dissecting tip body, certain tissue can be separatedand/or dissected from target tissue using the surgical stapler orinstrument.

In another aspect of the invention, it is advantageous to provide adissecting tip for use with a surgical stapler or instrument comprisinga proximal portion configured for receipt and attachment to a distal endof an end effector of a surgical stapler; a distal portion having acurved inner surface and a curved outer surface; and a distal tip,wherein the dissecting tip has a width which decreases substantiallycontinuously from the proximal portion to the distal tip or from alocation proximal of the distal tip to the distal tip. By providing areduced width at the distal tip, visibility to a surgeon at the site ofdissection or separation is improved.

In yet another aspect of the invention, it is advantageous to provide anend effector comprising an anvil assembly including a dissecting tip,wherein the dissecting tip comprises a proximal portion configured toreceive and engage a distal end of the anvil assembly; a distal portionhaving an inner surface and an outer surface; and a distal tip; and acartridge assembly having a distal end, wherein the distal tip extendsbeyond the distal end of the cartridge assembly. By providing a distaltip which extends beyond the distal end of the cartridge assembly,visibility is improved and dissection can occur with the end effector inthe clamped position.

In yet another aspect of the invention, it is advantageous to provide anend effector comprising an anvil assembly having a dissecting tipextending therefrom; and a cartridge assembly having an uninterruptedtissue guide surface formed on a distal end thereof, wherein thedissecting tip is positioned above the distal guide surface of thecartridge assembly to define a gap therebetween. By providing anuninterrupted guide surface on the cartridge assembly which defines agap with the dissecting tip, compression and traumatization of tissue atthe distal end of the end effector can be minimized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed dissecting tip aredescribed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side top perspective view of a surgical stapling deviceincluding one embodiment of the presently disclosed dissecting tipattached to the end effector thereof;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the end effector with portions broken away andof the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1with the end effector in the open position adjacent target tissue andcertain tissue which is adhered to the target tissue;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the anvil assembly shown in FIG. 3 with thedissecting tip positioned partially between the certain tissue and thetarget tissue;

FIG. 4a is a side view of the anvil assembly and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 4 positioned fully between the certain tissue and the targettissue;

FIG. 4b is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 3 with certain tissue positioned between an open anvil assembly andcartridge assembly;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 4b with certain tissue positioned between a clamped anvil assemblyand cartridge assembly;

FIG. 5a is a top view of the dissecting tip and end effector of thesurgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5b is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5c is a front view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 5 b;

FIG. 5d is a side perspective view from the front of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip dissector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5e is a side view of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 5 d;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top side perspective view from the front of theend effector of a surgical stapling device including another embodimentof the presently disclosed dissecting tip;

FIG. 6a is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 6;

FIG. 6b is a top view of the dissecting tip and end effector of thesurgical stapling device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 6c is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 6 b;

FIG. 6d is a front view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 6 c;

FIG. 6e is a side top perspective view from the front of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 6f is a side view of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 6 e;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side top perspective view from the front of theend effector of a surgical stapling device including another embodimentof the presently disclosed dissecting tip;

FIG. 7a is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 7;

FIG. 7b is a top view of the dissecting tip and end effector of thesurgical stapling device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 7c is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 7 b;

FIG. 7d is a front view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 7 c;

FIG. 7e is a side top perspective view from the front of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 7f is a side view of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 7 e;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side perspective view from the front of the endeffector of a surgical stapling device including yet another embodimentof the presently disclosed dissecting tip;

FIG. 8a is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 8;

FIG. 8b is a top view of the dissecting tip and end effector of thesurgical stapling device shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 8c is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 8 b;

FIG. 8d is a front view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 8 c;

FIG. 8e is a side perspective view from the front of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 8f is a side perspective view from the rear of the dissecting tipshown in FIG. 8 e;

FIG. 8g is a side view of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 8 e;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged top side perspective view from the front of theend effector of a surgical stapling device including another preferredembodiment of the presently disclosed dissecting tip;

FIG. 9a is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 9b is a top view of the dissecting tip and end effector of thesurgical stapling device shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 9c is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 9 b;

FIG. 9c is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 9 b;

FIG. 9e is a side perspective view from the front of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 9f is a side view of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 9 e;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side perspective view from the front of the endeffector of a surgical stapling device including another embodiment ofthe presently disclosed dissecting tip;

FIG. 10a is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 10;

FIG. 10b is a top view of the dissecting tip and end effector of thesurgical stapling device shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 10c is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shownin FIG. 10 b;

FIG. 10d is a front view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 10 c;

FIG. 10d is a front view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 10 c;

FIG. 10f is a side view of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 10 e;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side perspective view from the front of the endeffector of a surgical stapling device including another embodiment ofthe presently disclosed dissecting tip;

FIG. 11a is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 11b is a top view of the dissecting tip and end effector of thesurgical stapling device shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 11c is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shownin FIG. 11 b;

FIG. 11d is a front view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 11 c;

FIG. 11e is a side perspective view from the front of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 11f is a side view of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 11 e;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side top perspective view from the front of theend effector of a surgical stapling device including another embodimentof the presently disclosed dissecting tip;

FIG. 12a is a side view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 12;

FIG. 12b is a top view of the dissecting tip and end effector of thesurgical stapling device shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 12c is a bottom view of the dissecting tip and end effector shownin FIG. 12 b;

FIG. 12d is a front view of the dissecting tip and end effector shown inFIG. 12 c;

FIG. 12e is a side perspective view from the front of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 12f is a side view of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 12 e;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view from above a surgical stapling deviceincluding another embodiment of the presently disclosed dissecting tipattached to the end effector thereof with the anvil assembly andcartridge assembly of the end effector in the closed or clampedposition;

FIG. 13a is an enlarged side perspective view from above of the endeffector of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the anvilassembly and cartridge assembly in the clamped position;

FIG. 13b is an enlarged side perspective view from above of the endeffector of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the anvilassembly and cartridge assembly in the open position;

FIG. 13c is a top view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 13 a;

FIG. 13d is a bottom view of the end effector and dissecting tip shownin FIG. 13 a;

FIG. 13e is a front view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 13 a;

FIG. 13f is a side view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 13 a;

FIG. 14a is an enlarged side perspective view from above of anotherembodiment of the presently disclosed dissecting tip attached to an endeffector with the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly of the endeffector in the closed or clamped position;

FIG. 14b is a side perspective view from above of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip and end effector shown in FIG. 14a with theanvil assembly and cartridge assembly of the end effector in the openposition;

FIG. 14c is a top view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 14 a;

FIG. 14d is a bottom view of the end effector and dissecting tip shownin FIG. 14 a;

FIG. 14e is a front view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 14 a;

FIG. 14f is a side view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 14 a;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view from above of another embodiment ofthe presently disclosed dissecting tip attached to an end effector withthe anvil assembly and cartridge assembly of the end effector in theclosed or clamped position;

FIG. 15a is a side view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip attached to an end effector of a surgical instrument withthe anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly of the end effector in anopen position;

FIG. 16a is a side view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 16 with the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly of the endeffector in the clamped position;

FIG. 16b is a top view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16c is a bottom view of the end effector and dissecting tip shownin FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16d is a front view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16e is a side perspective view from above of the dissecting tipshown in FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip attached to an end effector of a surgical instrument withthe anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly of the end effector in anopen position;

FIG. 17a is a side view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 17 with the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly of the endeffector in the clamped position;

FIG. 17b is a top view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 17 a;

FIG. 17c is a bottom view of the end effector and dissecting tip shownin FIG. 17 a;

FIG. 17d is a front view of the end effector and dissecting tip shown inFIG. 17a ; and

FIG. 17e is a side perspective view from above of the dissecting tipshown in FIG. 17 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling device withdissecting tip will now be described in detail with reference to thedrawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views.

In the description that follows, the term “proximal”, as is traditional,will refer to the end of the stapling device closest the operator andthe term “distal” will refer to the end of the stapling device furthestfrom the operator.

FIG. 1 illustrates a linear surgical stapling device shown generally as10 including an end effector 12 having one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip, here generally designated 14, supportedthereon. Stapling device 10 also includes a handle assembly 16 and anendoscopic portion 18. End effector 12 forms part of a disposableloading unit or single use loading unit (SULU) 20. With the exception ofdissecting tip 14, the remaining components of surgical stapling device10 are substantially as known in the art described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,865,361 (“'361 patent”), 6,079,606, 6,241,139, 6,330,965 and6,669,073. It is contemplated that the presently disclosed embodimentsof the dissecting tip may be used in association with other known linearstapling devices of both endoscopic and open construction. These devicesinclude articulating and non-articulating devices as well as reusableand non-reusable devices. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,202,914, 6,250,532, 6,109,500, 6,032,849, 5,584,425,5,540,375, 5,554,169, 5,507,426, 5,482,197. In light of the commentsabove, only the embodiments of the dissecting tips disclosed herein willbe discussed in detail in this application.

FIGS. 1-5 c illustrate one embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip in combination with a surgical stapling device 10. Asdiscussed above, surgical stapling device 10 includes a handle assembly16, an elongated body or endoscopic portion 18, and in this embodiment aSULU 20. It is contemplated that the end effectors of the embodimentsdisclosed herein may form a permanent part of the stapling device.Briefly, handle assembly 16 includes a stationary grip member 22, apivotable trigger 24, an articulation lever 26, a rotation knob 27 andreturn knobs 28. SULU 20 is adapted to be releasably attached toelongated body portion 18 and includes a proximal body portion 32 andend effector 12. End effector 12 is pivotally attached to proximal bodyportion 32 to facilitate articulation of end effector 12 in relation toproximal body portion 32.

End effector 12 includes an anvil assembly 34 and a cartridge assembly36 which houses a plurality of linear rows of staples. Anvil assembly 34and cartridge assembly 36 are movable, here, pivotal in relation to eachother between an open position and a clamped or approximated position.Pivotable trigger 24 is actuable through an actuation stroke or strokesto move anvil assembly 34 in relation to cartridge assembly 36 betweenthe open position and the clamped position and to eject staples fromcartridge assembly 36. The operation of each of these components isdescribed in greater detail in the '361 patent and will not be discussedin further detail herein.

Dissecting tip 14 is secured or fastened to a distal end of the endeffector 12. Alternately, dissecting tip 14 may be integrally formedwith end effector 12 or end effector 12 and dissecting tip 14 may be ofmonolithic construction. Also, alternately dissecting tip 14 may beattached, or removably or releasably attached to end effector 12. In onepreferred embodiment, dissecting tip 14 is secured to a distal surfaceof anvil assembly 34 which is contiguous or in direct or indirectcommunication with a tissue contact surface 34 a of anvil assembly 34.Dissecting tip 14 may be formed from a surgical grade metal or plasticand attached to anvil assembly 34 using any known suitable fasteningtechnique, e.g., adhesives, welding, soldering, brazing, pins, etc.Alternately, other known surgically approved materials may be used toconstruct dissecting tip 14. In this embodiment, dissecting tip 14includes a curved smooth inner surface 14 a, and also a curved, smoothouter surface 14 b and a rounded thin blunt tip 14 c. The curvedsurfaces can be formed having any suitable radius of curvature. A oneinch radius has been found suitable for certain applications.Alternately, the curved surfaces may be formed having plural curvedradii. The smooth surfaces prevent dissecting tip 14 from snagging,pulling and/or cutting tissue. Inner surface 14 a of dissecting tip 14extends downwardly towards cartridge assembly 36 to a location beyondthe distal end of cartridge assembly 36. By extending dissecting tip 14beyond cartridge assembly 36, access to adherent tissue is improved andvisualization of the tip to confirm proper position and that dissectionof the adherent tissue is completed is permitted. The width ofdissecting tip 14 decreases from its proximal end to its distal end andat its greatest width is smaller than the width of cartridge assembly36. Desirably there are substantially smooth blends or transitions fromthe dissecting tip to the portion(s) of the jaw structure to which thetip is secured or from which it extends. When anvil assembly 34 andcartridge assembly 36 are in the clamped or approximated position,dissecting tip 14 is spaced from a distal angled tissue guide surface 36a of cartridge assembly 36. In one embodiment, this space is at leastthe same, or greater, e.g., two times greater, than the gap between thetissue contacting surfaces of the anvil and cartridge assemblies whenthey are approximated. However, there may be instances when it may bedesired to have less space between the dissecting tip and the tissueguide surface of the cartridge, for example when it is desired tocompress tissue there.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, when surgical stapling device 10 is used todissect certain tissue 40, e.g., blood or airway vessels, from targettissue 42, e.g., stomach, lung, etc., curved outer surface 14 b ofdissecting tip 14 can be pressed or passed against target tissue 42 andslid behind certain tissue 40, e.g., adherent, tissue to separate and/ordissect tissue 40 from, for example, adherence with target tissue 42.Positioning of dissecting tip 14 behind certain tissue 40 may beaccomplished with anvil assembly 34 and cartridge assembly 36 in theopen position. Alternately, the anvil and cartridge assemblies can bemoved to the clamped position to provide extra stability to the endeffector during dissection of tissue. Thereafter, either or both ofcertain tissue 40 and target tissue 42 can be independently joined andcut by clamping and actuating surgical stapling device 10.

It is noted that although not described in detail, end effector 12 maybe adapted to access the surgical site through a trocar cannula assemblyas is known in the art. To accomplish this, anvil assembly 34 andcartridge assembly 36 are maintained in a clamped position as elongatedbody portion 18 and end effector 12 are inserted through the cannula(not shown). As illustrated, dissecting tip 14 does not extend below aplane defined by a bottom surface 36 b of cartridge assembly 36, nordoes dissecting tip 14 extend outwardly beyond the sidewalls ofcartridge assembly 36. The dissecting tip can be above, e.g., slightlyabove the plane. As such, surgical stapling device 10 includingdissecting tip 14 may be used with a trocar cannula assembly sized toreceive a surgical stapling device not having a dissecting tip 14.

FIGS. 6-6 e illustrate another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip shown generally as 114. Dissecting tip 114 is secured tothe distal end of end effector 12. Alternately, dissecting tip 114 maybe monolithically or integrally formed with end effector 12. Asdiscussed above, end effector 12 includes anvil assembly 34 andcartridge assembly 36. Dissecting tip 114 is secured to a distal surfaceor portion of anvil assembly 34 in the manner described above withrespect to dissecting tip 14. Dissecting tip 114 is also constructedfrom a surgical grade metal or plastic and includes substantially flatinner and outer surfaces 114 a and 114 b and a rounded, blunt tip 114 c.The use of other known surgically approved materials to constructdissecting tip 114 is envisioned. Other tip configurations may beemployed. The outer edges 114 d of outer surface 114 b may be rounded toprevent snagging, and/or cutting of tissue. Inner surface 114 a ofdissecting tip 114 is substantially parallel to and spaced from tissueguide surface 36 a of cartridge assembly 36 when anvil assembly 34 andcartridge assembly 36 are in the clamped position. Distal tip 114 c ofdissecting tip 114 extends distally beyond the distal end of cartridgeassembly 36 and decreases in width from its proximal end to its distalend. The width of the proximal end of dissecting tip 114 is smaller thanthe width of cartridge assembly 36 and distal tip 114 c does not extendbelow a plane defined by a bottom surface 36 b of cartridge assembly 36.As such, a surgical stapling device including dissecting tip 114 can beinserted through a trocar cannula assembly sized to receive the staplingdevice.

The use of dissecting tip 114 is substantially identical to that ofdissecting tip 14 and will not be discussed in further detail herein.

FIGS. 7-7 e illustrate yet another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip shown generally as 214. Dissecting tip 214 is secured toanvil assembly 34 of end effector 12 in the manner described above withrespect to dissecting tip 14. Dissecting tip 214 is also constructedfrom a surgical grade metal or plastic. Alternatively, the use of otherknown materials of construction is envisioned.

Dissecting tip 214 includes inner and outer surfaces 214 a and 214 b anda blunt tip 214 c. Inner and outer surfaces 214 a and 214 b each have asubstantially flat proximal portion 250 a and 250 b and a substantiallyflat distal portion 252 a and 252 b positioned at an angle to proximalportion 250. In one embodiment, proximal portion 250 and distal portion252, along inner surface 214 a, define an angle .THETA. (FIG. 7a ) ofbetween about 90.degree. and about 170.degree. In one embodiment, angle.THETA. is about 30.degree. The transition between proximal portion 250a and distal portion 252 a is smooth and rounded to prevent snagging,pulling and/or cutting of tissue. The outer surface of tip 214 can haveother shapes, e.g., rounded as in FIGS. 1-5 e. As discussed above withrespect to dissecting tips 14 and 114, the width of dissecting tip 214decreases from its proximal end to its distal end and at its greatestwidth is less than the width of cartridge assembly 36. The distal end ofdistal portion 252 a includes a blunt tip 214 c which in this embodimentdoes not extend beyond a plane defined by a bottom surface 36 b ofcartridge assembly 36. The use of dissecting tip 214 is substantiallyidentical to that of dissecting tip 14 and will not be discussed infurther detail herein.

FIGS. 8-8 e illustrate another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip shown generally as 314. Dissecting tip 314 includes aninner surface 314 a, a top surface 314 b and a front surface 314 c.Inner surface 314 a is angled and is substantially parallel to distalangled tissue guide surface 36 a of cartridge assembly 36. Top surface314 b is curved or concave along an axis transverse to a longitudinalaxis of anvil assembly 34. Front surface 314 c is angled downwardlytowards cartridge assembly 36 and defines an angle .THETA. (FIG. 8a ) ofbetween about 95.degree. and 135.degree. with respect to thelongitudinal axis of anvil assembly 34. In one embodiment, angle .THETA.is about 106.degree. The width of dissecting tip 314 decreases from aproximal end of dissecting tip 314 to the distal end of dissecting tip314. The width at the proximal end of dissecting tip 314 isapproximately equal to the width of cartridge assembly 36. As discussedabove, the dimensions and positioning of dissecting tip 314 on staplingdevice 10 permit positioning of stapling device 10 through a trocarcannula assembly sized to allow passage stapling device 10 withoutdissecting tip 314.

Distal tip 314 d of dissecting tip 314 may be positioned proximally ofthe distal end of cartridge assembly 36. Alternately, distal tip 314 dmay be positioned adjacent to or distally of the distal end of cartridgeassembly 36.

Dissecting tip 314 includes a substantially hollow recess 314 e (FIG. 8f) which is configured to receive the distal end of anvil assembly 34.Dissecting tip 314 may be positioned over the distal end of anvilassembly 34 and secured thereto using any known fastening technique,e.g., adhesives, welding, friction fit, pins, screws, etc. Dissectingtip 314 may be formed from surgical grade metals or plastics althoughother known materials of construction are envisioned. Dissecting tip 314functions basically in the same manner as discussed above with respectto dissecting tip 14 and will not be discussed in further detail herein.

FIGS. 9-9 e illustrate yet another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip shown generally as 414. Dissecting tip 414 is similar inshape to dissecting tip 314 but includes a peg extension 436 (FIG. 9e )to secure dissecting tip 414 to anvil assembly 34, rather than a hollowrecess as will be further discussed below. Dissecting tip 414 includesan inner surface 414 a, a top surface 414 b, and a front surface 414 c.Inner surface 414 a is substantially parallel to a tissue guide surface36 b on the distal end of cartridge assembly 36. Top surface 414 b isflat and is positioned to abut against a distal surface of anvilassembly 34 which is contiguous with an inner tissue engaging surface 34a of anvil assembly 34. Front surface 414 c is angled downwardly towardscartridge assembly 36 and in one embodiment defines an angle .THETA.(FIG. 9a ) of between about 95.degree. and about 135. In one embodiment,angle .THETA. is about 154.degree.

Peg extension 436 is a T-shaped member which extends upwardly from aproximal end of top surface 414 b of dissecting tip 414. The upperportion 452 of T-shaped member 436 extends transversely across anvilassembly 34 and is dimensioned to be received in a linear slot (notshown) formed in the distal end of anvil assembly 34. To attachdissecting tip 414 to anvil assembly 34, upper portion 452 of T-shapedmember 436 is positioned within the distal linear slots of anvilassembly 34 and dissecting tip 414 is rotated 90.degree. to lock upperportion 452 within the linear slot and lock dissecting tip to anvilassembly 34. Additional fastening techniques may be used to fixedlysecure dissecting tip 414 to anvil assembly 34, e.g., adhesives,welding, etc.

FIGS. 10-10 e illustrate another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip shown generally as 514. Dissecting tip 514 issubstantially similar to dissecting tip 314 in construction but differsin that a distal tip 514 d of dissecting tip 514 is narrower than andpositioned above, over or adjacent to the distal end of cartridgeassembly 36. Further, top surface 514 b and front surface 514 c togetherdefine an angle .THETA. (FIG. 10a ) of between about 95.degree. andabout 135.degree. In one embodiment, angle .THETA. is about 115.degree.As discussed above with respect to dissecting tip 314, dissecting tip514 defines a hollow recess (not shown) dimensioned and configured toreceive the distal end of anvil assembly 34.

FIGS. 11-11 e illustrate yet another embodiment of the presentlydisclosed dissecting tip shown generally as 614. Dissecting tip 614 issubstantially similar to dissecting tip 514 with the exception thatdissecting tip 614 includes a pair of cutouts 614 c formed in oppositetapered sidewalls 614 a and 614 b thereof. The tapered sidewalls 614 aand 614 b and cutouts 614 c provide a smooth transition from dissectingtip 614 to anvil assembly 34 to prevent snagging and pulling of tissue.

FIG. 12-12 e illustrate another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip shown generally as 714. Dissecting tip 714 is formedintegrally and/or monolithically with an anvil plate 34 a (FIG. 12e ) ofanvil assembly 34 and is therefore formed from a surgical grade metal.Dissecting tip 714 includes an inner surface 714 a, an outer surface 714b and a distal tip 714 c which may be rounded. Inner and outer surfaces714 a and 714 b are substantially flat and define an angle .THETA. ofbetween about 105.degree. and about 155.degree. in relation to alongitudinal axis of anvil assembly 34. In one embodiment, .THETA. isabout 136.degree. Dissecting tip 714 extends downwardly towardscartridge assembly 36, at angle .THETA. which in one embodiment is lessthan an angle B defined between tissue guide surface 36 a formed on thedistal end of cartridge assembly 36 and a longitudinal axis of cartridgeassembly 36. Although the dissecting tip of this disclosure can beemployed on any sized SULU or end effector, for some applicationsshorter end effectors may be preferred.

The junction, blend or transition of the proximal portion of the innersurface of dissecting tip 14 with the plane of tissue contacting surface34 of the anvil assembly may be positioned axially distal of thejunction, blend or transition of tissue guide surface 36 a and thetissue contacting surface of cartridge assembly 36. This provides spaceto allow tissue to be squeezed distally of the staple working portionsof the tissue contacting surfaces of anvil assembly 34 and cartridgeassembly 36 and helps maintain the desired tissue gap between thosesurfaces, during approximation and clamping. The configuration ofdissecting tip 714 of end effector 12 shown in FIG. 12a exemplifies thisjunctional relationship.

FIG. 13 illustrates a linear surgical stapling device shown generally as800 including an end effector 812 having another embodiment of thepresently disclosed dissecting tip here designated 814, supportedthereon. Stapling device 800 is substantially similar to stapling device10 and includes a handle assembly 816 and an endoscopic portion 818. Endeffector 812 may form part of a disposable loading unit or single useloading unit (SULU) 820.

Referring to FIGS. 13a -13 f, end effector 812 includes an anvilassembly 834 and a cartridge assembly 836 movably positioned (pivotallyor otherwise) in relation to each other between an open position (FIG.13b ) and a clamped or approximated position (13 a). In one embodiment,anvil assembly 834 is pivotal in relation to cartridge assembly 836.Trigger 824 is movable through an actuation stroke or strokes to moveanvil assembly 834 and cartridge assembly 836 between the open andclosed positions as is well known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 13a -13 f, dissecting tip 814 extends distally fromend effector 812. In this embodiment, dissecting tip 814 and anvilassembly 834 are of monolithic construction. Alternately, it isenvisioned that dissecting tip 814 may be formed separately from anvilassembly 834 and secured thereto using any known fastening technique,e.g., adhesives, welding, soldering, brazing, pins, interlockingstructure, etc. It is envisioned that the dissection tips of theembodiments disclosed herein can be selectively removable andreplaceable. It is contemplated that dissecting tip 814 can be supportedon another portion of end effector 812 such as cartridge assembly 836.Dissecting tip 814 may be formed from a surgical grade metal or plastic.It is also contemplated, however, that other known surgically approvedmaterials may be used to construct dissecting tip 814.

Dissecting tip 814 includes a proximal portion 840 and a distal portion842. Proximal portion 840 extends distally from anvil assembly 834 andincludes a curved section 844. Curved section 844 defines a smoothtransition between anvil assembly 834 and distal portion 842 ofdissecting tip 814. The longitudinal axis of anvil assembly 834 and thelongitudinal axis of distal portion 842 of dissecting tip 814 intersectto define any suitable angle .THETA. (FIG. 13a ) between about 5.degree.and about 90.degree. In this embodiment angle .THETA. is about30.degree.

Distal portion 842 includes a semi-circular smooth distal face 814 c.Proximal portion 840 and distal portion 842, together, define a smoothsubstantially flat inner surface 814 a and a smooth substantially flatouter surface 814 b. As illustrated, the width of dissecting tip 814proximal of distal face 814 c is substantially constant along the lengthof dissecting tip 814 and is about equal to the width of anvil assembly834. The width of dissecting tip 814 a can also be about equal to thewidth of cartridge assembly 836. It is contemplated, however, that thewidth of dissecting tip 814 may be any suitable width and may vary alongthe length of dissecting tip, e.g., the width of dissecting tip 814 maybe decreased or increased along the length of dissecting tip 814 fromthe proximal end of dissecting tip 814 to the distal end of thedissecting tip 814 or at any point therebetween. In this embodiment, thewidth of dissecting tip 814 does not exceed the width of cartridgeassembly 836. This embodiment is suitable for insertion through standardtrocars and lumens for laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13a and 13c -13 f, when anvil assembly 834 andcartridge assembly 836 are in their clamped position, a gap 850 isdefined between a distal angled guide surface 836 a of cartridgeassembly 836 and inner surface 814 a of dissecting tip 814. In thisembodiment, gap 850 is substantially equal to or greater that gap 852defined between the anvil and cartridge assemblies. It is envisionedthat in some circumstances it may be desirable to reduce the height ofgap 850 to a height smaller than gap 852, e.g., when it is desirable toclamp or compress tissue between guide surface 836 a of cartridgeassembly 836 and inner surface 814 a of dissecting tip 814.

FIGS. 14a-14f illustrate another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip shown generally as 914. Dissecting tip 914 extendsdistally from end effector 812. In one embodiment, dissecting tip 914 isformed monolithically with anvil assembly 834 of end effector 812.Alternately, it is envisioned that dissecting tip 914 may be formedseparately from anvil assembly 834 and secured thereto using any knownfastening technique as set forth above. It is also envisioned thatdissecting tip 914 can be supported by another portion of end effector812 such as cartridge assembly 836. Dissecting tip 914 may be formedfrom surgical grade metals or plastics having the requisite strengthrequirements or any other known material suitable for surgical use.

Dissecting tip 914 is substantially similar in shape to dissecting tip814 with the exception that angle .THETA. is about 90.degree. and thatthere is a reduced radius of curvature leading distally to downturneddistal portion 942 of dissector tip 914. More specifically, dissectingtip 914 includes a proximal portion 940 and a distal portion 942.Proximal portion 940 extends distally from anvil assembly 834 andincludes a curved section 944 which defines a smooth transition betweenanvil assembly 834 and distal portion 942 of dissecting tip 914. Thelongitudinal axis of anvil assembly 834 and the longitudinal axis ofdistal portion 942 of dissecting tip 914 define an angle .THETA. ofbetween about 80.degree. and about 90.degree.

Distal portion 942 is similar in shape to that of distal portion 842 ofdissecting tip 814 and will not be discussed in further detail here. Inone embodiment (See FIGS. 14a-14f ), distal portion 942 of dissectingtip 914 extends distally to about or adjacent the distal end 836 b ofcartridge assembly 836 of end effector 812. In another embodiment (SeeFIGS. 15 and 15 a), dissecting tip 914′ is positioned distally of thedistal end 836 b of cartridge assembly 836 of end effector 812. In thisembodiment, dissecting tip 914′ is positioned to dissect tissue when theanvil and cartridge assemblies are in their clamped position and toreach further ahead of the end effector, e.g., the cartridge distalguide surface, to facilitate passage between or behind tissue andfacilitate isolation and positioning of larger tissue with the jaws ofend effector 912.

FIGS. 16-16 e illustrate another embodiment of the presently discloseddissecting tip shown generally as 1014. Dissecting tip 1014 is securedto the distal end of anvil assembly 1034 of end effector 1012 using anyknown suitable fastening technique, e.g., adhesives, welding, soldering,brazing, pins, etc. It is also envisioned that dissecting tip 1014 maybe secured to end effector 1012 at other locations such as to cartridgeassembly 1036. Alternately, dissecting tip 1014 may be formedmonolithically or integrally with or removably attached to a portion ofend effector 1012. Dissecting tip 1014 may be constructed from asurgical grade metal or plastic, although it is contemplated that othersurgically approved materials may be used.

Dissecting tip 1014 includes a proximal portion 1040 and a distalportion 1042. Proximal and distal portions 1040 and 1042, respectively,are contiguous and define a curved inner surface 1014 a, a correspondingcurved outer surface 1014 b and a distal tip 1014 c. Distal tip 1014 cis located on the distal end of distal portion 1042. In one embodiment,surfaces 1014 a and 1014 b are smooth to prevent dissecting tip 1014from snagging, pulling and/or cutting tissue. In one embodiment, thewidth of distal portion 1042 of dissecting tip 1014 decreasessubstantially continuously from its proximal end 1040 to its distal end1042 and culminates at distal tip 1014 c which may be thin and blunt orrounded (See FIGS. 16d and 16e ). It is also contemplated, however, thatthe width of the distal portion and/or proximal portion of dissectingtip 1014 may remain constant along its length or have a width whichincreases or decreases along any portion or all of its length. Asunderstood throughout this disclosure, the width of dissecting tip 1014at its greatest point should be less than the width of cartridgeassembly 1036 to facilitate insertion of end effector 1012 through atrocar assembly during endoscopic procedures. Alternately, wheredissecting tip 1014 is employed on open surgical instruments, it may bedesirable to increase the width of dissector tip 1014 beyond that ofcartridge assembly 1036. Such would increase visibility of the tip tothe surgeon.

In one embodiment, distal portion 1042 and tip 1014 c of dissecting tip1014 have substantially round cross-sections which may be substantiallycircular, oblong or oval. The diameter of the cross-sections maydecrease from the proximal end of distal portion 1042 towards distal tip1014 c. In one embodiment, the diameter of distal tip 1014 c is fromabout 2 mm to about 4 mm. In another embodiment, distal tip 1014 c has adiameter of from about 4 mm to about 6 mm. It is also contemplated thatproximal portion 1040 may also have a round cross-section which maydecrease in diameter along its length. Providing a bulbous largerdiameter distal tip and a reduced diameter or width proximal of a distaltip will increase visibility at the tip to the surgeon.

Curved inner and/or outer surfaces 1014 a and 1014 b, respectively maybe formed having any suitable radius of curvature which may define anarc of between about 5.degree. to about 90.degree. In one embodiment thearc defined by curved inner and outer surfaces 1014 a and 1014 b isbetween about 50.degree. and 90.degree. In another embodiment the arc isbetween about 60.degree. and about 80.degree. and in another embodiment(FIG. 16) the arc is between about 80.degree. and about 90.degree. It isalso contemplated that curved inner and/or outer surfaces 1014 a and1014 b may be formed having a plurality of different radii of curvature.

The distance “X” (FIG. 16a ) between a horizontal plane “Y” defined bytissue contacting surface 1034 a of anvil assembly 1034 and distal tip1014 c may be between about 10 mm and about 30 mm. In one embodiment,the distance X is between about 25 mm and about 30 mm. It is noted thatdistance X may vary greatly depending on the type of instrumentdissecting tip 1014 is employed on, e.g., open or endoscopic, and on theparticular procedure the instrument is being employed to perform.Accordingly, a wide size range of dissecting tips is envisioned.

In one embodiment (FIGS. 17 and 17 a), distal portion 1042′ includingdistal tip 1014 c extends below a plane “Z” defined by the bottomsurface of cartridge assembly 1036. By extending distal portion 1042′ ofdissecting tip 1014′ below the plane defined by cartridge assembly 1036,access to adherent tissue may be improved and improved visualization ofdissecting tip 1014′ is provided. Visualization of dissecting tip 1014′facilitates confirmation that the dissecting tip is properly positionedand that dissection of adherent tissue is completed. This embodiment maybe more suitable for use on instruments designed for open surgicalprocedures since an enlarged enlargeable trocar would be required tofacilitate passage of dissecting tip 1014′.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. For example, the dissecting tip may besecured to other parts of the end effector including the cartridgeassembly. Further, each of the dissecting tips may be monolithically orintegrally formed with or removably attachable to the end effector,e.g., anvil assembly or cartridge assembly. Moreover, the angles and/orcurves of the dissecting tip surface(s) may be modified to better suit,e.g., provide better access to difficult to reach tissue in a particularsurgical procedure. It is also envisioned that any of the dissectingtips described above may be incorporated into other surgical instrumentswhich may require some tissue dissection or manipulation prior to use.These instruments include surgical clip appliers and other ligationdevices. Further, it is understood that within reason what has beenstated as contemplated or envisioned, as applicable for one embodimentis applicable to the other embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

1-1. (canceled)
 2. A surgical tool assembly, comprising: an anvilassembly; a cartridge assembly; and a dissecting tip extending from theanvil assembly and having a rounded blunt tip and smooth surfaces, aninner surface of the dissecting tip extending downwardly toward thecartridge assembly, the width of the dissecting tip decreasing from aproximal end to a distal end, and wherein the dissecting tip is securedto, or integrally formed with, the anvil assembly.
 3. The surgical toolassembly according to claim 2, wherein the anvil assembly and cartridgeassembly form an end effector that articulates with respect to anendoscopic portion.
 4. The surgical tool assembly according to claim 2,wherein the dissecting tip is spaced from the cartridge assembly whenthe cartridge assembly and anvil assembly are in a closed position. 5.The surgical tool assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cartridgeassembly has a plurality of surgical staples.
 6. The surgical toolassembly according to claim 2, further comprising a handle assembl